London Pirates volleyball team rallies around player who lost father in October

Coastal Bend volleyball players weight in on what it means to qualify for the regioanl tournament

Len Hayward, Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Volleyball offered Ashley Lyne the “getaway” she needed.

In early October, as Lyne and her London volleyball teammates were in the heart of a run to a District 31-3A title, Ashley’s father, John, died.

London volleyball player Ashley Lyne lost her father suddenly in early October and was back on the ...more

London volleyball player Ashley Lyne lost her father suddenly in early October and was back on the court the same week playing as her team and the community rallied around here and her family.

Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

John Lyne was 51 years old. A day after her father’s death, Ashley Lyne was back on the court playing for the Pirates and a few days later on the same day as a memorial service in his hometown of George West, Ashley was back on the court helping the Pirates to another win.

“I missed a week of school and volleyball was my getaway,” Lyne said. “The next day I had a game and I played, so it was like a way to get me away from a lot of things. Going to practice helped me. I always had people around me because the volleyball team was super helpful. It was hard, but I got through it.”

It has been nearly a month and Ashley Lyne said there have been some tough moments but said the London volleyball team and school has offered constant support. On Friday, the Pirates will make their fourth straight appearance at the regional tournament and Ashley Lyne said each time they hit the court they are playing for her father.

“Before every game, me and my friends we say we are ‘playing for John, playing for John’,” Ashley said. “It always helps me play better.”

London coach Melinda Wescott said it was the first time in her career that a player she was coaching had a death in the family during a season. When Ashley called to ask about playing so quickly after her father’s death, Wescott said she was surprised as she had given her as much time as she needed.

London will make its fourth straight appearance in a regional tournament on Friday.

London will make its fourth straight appearance in a regional tournament on Friday.

Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times

But Wescott said Lyne was ready to return to the court as soon as possible.

“I was giving her the door to take time and she was like, ‘I don’t want to take the time, I want to just stay with what I’m doing,’” Wescott said. “It’s such a huge thing and her team, they were ready to hold onto her and catch but she was like, ‘I’m OK.’ I think it made us a lot stronger that she was able to do that.”

The Pirates qualified for the tournament with a five-set win against George West on Tuesday and Friday’s match against Vanderbilt Industrial offers a chance to keep “playing for John.”

“She’s strong, she’s a really strong person,” said setter Emilie Cagle. “Her strength helps the team and we are there for her.”

Flour Bluff defeats Gregory-Portland in five sets at Gregory-Portland High School on Tuesday, Oct. ...more

Flour Bluff defeats Gregory-Portland in five sets at Gregory-Portland High School on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018.

Courtney Sacco/Caller-Times, pcct

REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS AT A GLANCE

REGION IV-5A

South San Athletic Center, San Antonio

Friday’s Semifinals

Boerne Champion (29-12) vs. Flour Bluff (36-5), 5 p.m.

Gregory-Portland (36-7) vs. Dripping Springs, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s Final

Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

What you need to know: This is the first time in at least four years years schools from the Coastal Bend will not have a “home court” advantage as the tournament was moved to San Antonio this year. Flour Bluff and Gregory-Portland tied for the title in District 29-5A and if both win on Friday could meet for a fifth time this season with a state tournament berth on the line. Boerne Champion qualified for the tournament with a four-set win against San Antonio Harlan. Dripping Springs makes a return visit to the tournament after sweeping Seguin.

REGION IV-3A

Blossom Athletic Center, San Antonio

Friday’s Semifinals

Vanderbilt Industrial vs. London, 1 p.m.

Blanco vs. Goliad, 3 p.m.

Saturday’s Final

Semifinal winners, 11 a.m.

What you need to know: The Pirates are returning to the regional tournament for the fourth straight year and will face Industrial for the third straight season. London lost last season’s match in straight straights and in 2016 lost in four sets. If the Pirates defeat Industrial, waiting for them is a match with two-time and defending state champion Goliad.

REGION IV-2A

Brenham High School

Schedule

Friday’s Semifinals

Thorndale vs. Freer, 5:30 p.m.

Burton vs. Brackett, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s Final

Semifinal winners, 1 p.m.

What you need to know: The Buckaroos are back at the regional tournament for the third straight year which also coincides with their drop to Class 2A in 2016. Freer lost to Shiner in three sets in 2016 and Burton in four sets in 2017. Freer is 32-10 this season and won District 31-2A, defeating San Perlita, Junction and Center Point to reach the regional tournament.